Microfracture Recovery

[ladyduran]

So I had microfracture surgery yesterday.
Cannot weight bear or drive for 6 weeks. Haven't been given any physio instructions apart from wiggling my toes and slightly bending the knee.

Other things I have read say about more movement.

Has anyone had this ok and what is the like my treatment after 6 weeks. Will a return to work be possible. I do a fairly active job in retail

[Vickster]

Which bit was microfracture and how big a defect?
If weight bearing area you will need to be very careful
I wouldn’t worry about doing much while non weight bearing other than trying to get rom back when cleared to do so. When elevating your knee, try to keep it straight, so pillow under foot /ankle not behind knee

I had trochlear mfx in January. Not a weight bearing bit so no restrictions really. The holes in my condyles already have fibrocartilage so nothing to pick at there!

Good luck. Just take it easy for a couple of weeks and let your knee and body recover

[ladyduran]

Not sure how big the defect was didn't really get told much after only that he had to do microfracture and will see me in 6 weeks. My problems were under my kneecap and the posterior horn of the medial meniscus

Thanks for the tip of elevation as I had been using pillow nearer my knee not my feet.

[Vickster]

Ref physio, have you been referred for any in a couple of weeks?
If not, it could be worth seeking out someone privately who is good rehabbing post op knees

With the pillow, have it long ways, below the knee and rest your calf, ankle and foot.

It's interesting that you're on crutches when it was a patella/groove defect which is a non weight bearing area.

[ladyduran]

Consultant rang me yesterday to explain a bit more. He said I had two smallish defects on the inside of my knee which he did the microfracture for. The issue under my kneecap is arthritis which he just tidied up. I have received a physio appointment for next Friday and he has warned me I'm probably going to need a further 4 weeks off work after the 6 weeks as I start to walk again and continue with rehab.
I don't think I realised how big and long the recovery is for this op.

[Vickster]

Good to have some more info, well done him for calling

6 months recovery should be anticipated for any knee op, including keyhole

Good luck, be diligent with physio once it starts. The recovery won't be linear, you'll have good days and less good days